Female ADHD Symptoms
Females with ADHD often go undiagnosed as children because the disorder appears differently in girls than in boys. Adult women may have the inattentive type of ADHD or combined inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
They also have a tendency to develop unhealthy ways of coping, such as excessive drinking and substance abuse, which mask ADHD symptoms and delay an accurate diagnosis. Coexisting conditions, such as depression and anxiety are also common among these individuals.
Inattention
Women with inattention ADHD may find it difficult to keep up with their daily routines, schoolwork and jobs. They might miss appointments or leave things in the house unattended. They are unable to keep track of their finances chores at home, their record-keeping and household chores. They are also more likely to forget names and dates, and suffer from memory issues. They also have a difficult time sitting still for long periods of time and have difficulty staying focused or following the directions.
While impulsivity and hyperactivity are more often found in males and females, the inattentive subtype of ADHD is equally prevalent in women and girls. In fact, it is believed that as high as 80% of all ADHD sufferers are not attentive. You must have five symptoms of inattention that persist for more than six month to be able to receive a diagnosis.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms can be harder to spot because they don't view them as a sign of a disorder or have different expectations of how girls should act. This is why parents and teachers are less likely to recommend ADHD evaluations for girls than they are for boys.
In addition, the way that ADHD affects a woman can change over different periods of her life due to hormonal fluctuations. For example the symptoms of a woman's ADHD may get worse during the menstrual cycle, if she's pregnant, or when she enters menopause.
These symptoms can have a major impact on a woman's self-esteem and overall satisfaction. These symptoms can cause feelings of guilt and low self-esteem and can make it difficult to manage relationships, work and home tasks. Women who are not treated for ADHD might also suffer from depression and anxiety. They can also engage in sexual behavior that increase the risk of pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and other health issues. They might also have a difficult time accepting rejection from others, regardless of whether it is real or perceived. They may avoid social situations or even isolate themselves because of it.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
In many cases, hyperactivity and impulsivity are the first symptoms of ADHD for women and girls. They are more likely to delay or misplace items, have trouble concentrating on tasks and easily become overwhelmed in stressful environments. They might also have difficulty getting comfortable or falling asleep, and they may be more susceptible to mood swings and anxiety. These symptoms can lead to problems at school, at home and in their relationships.
Girls and women are frequently not considered for diagnosis of ADHD because the symptoms are more prevalent among boys and men. Healthcare professionals and teachers do not recommend ADHD assessments as often for female students as they do for male students. This could lead to an incorrect diagnosis as well as a delay in treatment.
This, along with the tendency to hide their problems, could make it clear that people with ADHD suffer more than is usually reported. For instance, they may not be able to pinpoint a problem with concentration at work or being overwhelmed by household chores. They might struggle to make decisions when shopping or find it difficult to relax or sleep.
This could have a negative impact on their self-esteem. Instead of addressing the root problem, they could develop unhealthy coping strategies that could include substance addiction or eating habits that are unhealthy. This can make the problem worse over time and prevent the woman from seeking help that could improve her life significantly.
Because ADHD-related behaviors are more accepted by males and boys it is possible that women and girls may suppress or hide them out of fear of being rejected. For instance, a girl with ADHD may exhibit hyperactive and impulsive behavior to avoid being judged for not conforming to the social norms of her neighborhood or school.
Ultimately, these factors can create a vicious cycle of frustration and confusion for women with ADHD. It is essential for family members, friends and educators to be aware of these issues in women and girls because they could be an indication of an undiagnosed disorder that needs to be addressed with medication management and therapy.
Emotional Problems
Women suffering from ADHD are more difficult in controlling their emotions than males. The mood of women with ADHD is more likely to fluctuate throughout the day because of hormonal changes. This can cause symptoms such as irritability and a feeling of inadequacy. Women who suffer from ADHD also are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. These emotional problems can have serious consequences for relationships and career prospects.
ADHD can be a problem for both children and parents but it can be especially difficult for women. adult adhd symptoms women feel shy or embarrassed about their ADHD which can prevent them from seeking assistance. They may even try to mask their symptoms by implementing strategies for coping, like excessive drinking or drug abuse, which can actually cause the problem to get worse. Masking can also make it difficult for employers and teachers to notice ADHD symptoms in women, and it could lead to a delay in diagnosing.
It's easier for a woman with ADHD to conceal her symptoms in her youth and adolescence than when she becomes an adult. Stress from daily life and pressures from society to excel in work and relationships can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. These issues can leave women with ADHD feeling a sense of failure, low self-esteem and a constant sense of anxiety. For some, the diagnosis of ADHD can be an epiphany, helping them to understand the root of their issues and helping them accept their own uniqueness.
Many women suffering from ADHD have a difficult time trying to receive support at work or at school. They might be shy to speak to their supervisor or professor about their condition and worry that their choice could be interpreted as an indication of weakness or incompetence. Most teachers and supervisors are willing to make small modifications to help individuals who suffer from ADHD achieve their goals.
In addition to finding supportive peers, women with ADHD can also benefit by joining online support groups for adults who suffer from ADHD. These groups give members the chance to share stories and discuss women's ADHD challenges.
Co-occurring Conditions
As girls and women grow up, they can develop coping mechanisms that mask their ADHD symptoms, making it more difficult for others to detect. For instance, a girl might try to dress and act like her peers to avoid attention from bullying or social rejection. In addition, she might compensate for impulsive and disorganized behavior by putting in more effort at work or school or using productivity apps to get tasks done. These and other strategies for coping can disguise the existence of ADHD in females and delay her adult diagnosis.
Girls and women with ADHD are often diagnosed with depression or anxiety before they receive an official diagnosis. These other conditions may mask the presence and symptoms of ADHD. They can also make treatment more difficult.
Girls and females with ADHD also have a higher risk of low self-esteem and are more likely to be afflicted by mood disorders that coexist. This is more so than boys or men. They could be misunderstood or dismissed as being temperamental or overly emotional, which can increase their frustration.
ADHD symptoms can cause women to experience difficulties in their relationships. adult female add symptoms are more likely than men to overlook birthdays and to make mistakes with small details. This can lead to miscommunication and conflict. They may also struggle to manage household chores, personal finances and daily responsibilities. These issues can make them feel exhausted and overwhelmed and can lead to an internal chaos of beliefs about their worth.
The presence of gender bias in clinical settings also influences the rate of women and girls who are recommended for an ADHD evaluation. In one study, Ohan and Visser (2009) asked parents and teachers in a class to read vignettes describing children with ADHD symptoms, and then rate how likely they would be to recommend or find services for the child they described. They found that the participants were more likely to recommend services for boys than girls.
ADHD, like other conditions is a condition that can be severe and worsen at various times. For example, symptoms may be more prominent during the menstrual cycle of a woman or during pregnancy or the menopausal cycle. These changes can lead to issues with relationships, social functioning and academic performance, and result in feelings of anger and failure.